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How to Experience God’s Peace

Follow the commands of Jesus

After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Luke 19:28-31 NLT

So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. Luke 19:32-35 NLT

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” Luke 6:46 NLT

Look at what God is doing

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Isaiah 43:19 NLT

As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38 ESV

Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 NLT

Ignore negative people

And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:39-40 ESV

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT

This is an opportunity to:

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. Proverbs 24:16 NLT

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT

Accept God’s offer of eternal peace

How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Luke 19:42 NLT

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT

There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Travel to the most peaceful part of your home, indoors or out. Take a few deep breaths and try to empty your mind of all else that may be asking for your attention. What does it feel like when you are at peace? When were some moments where you have felt that? And looking back, can you see God in them too? Read back through John 16:33. Try to imagine the way Jesus must have looked at his disciples when he promised them that this world would have troubles, but to “take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Now, imagine him speaking that directly to you. As Jesus speaks to your heart in this way, what is he calling you to relinquish so that you can find the peace only he gives? He also told the crowds, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT). In this time of uncertainty, when the world seems thrown into chaos, invite Jesus to take your burdens by writing them down and then voice them out loud to him. Perhaps afterwards you can throw the sheet of paper away, or even burn it or bury it as a way to remember that Jesus is big enough to handle all our worries; we don’t need to hold onto them. Then, look for the ways he wants to trade those burdens for his peace this week: through time with him, with family members, or uplifting stories of God at work.​

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out to you in your personal Bible reading time this week? What have you learned about God or yourself so far? (If you’ve fallen behind in your readings, encourage each other to use the extra free time in this season to catch up.)
  2. Read Luke 19:28-31. Of all the commands of Jesus that you know, which seems the most odd or hard for you and why do you think that is?
  3. Continue reading Luke 19:32-35. What is it in this story that made the disciples' task difficult or scary and what hard thing is Jesus asking for you to obey him in right now?
  4. Read Corinthians 4:18. In what ways do you think focusing on what God is doing (rather than what is happening in your life) brings you peace?
  5. Read James 1:2. What specific opportunities for joy are you finding in this unique season of life?
  6. Read Romans 5:1. In what specific ways is your personal relationship with Jesus bringing you peace in this season? If it’s not, what do you think needs to change and what step can you take today to make that change?